Europe's justice commissioner told Facebook, Twitter and Google on Thursday to do more to bring their user terms in line with EU law, ramping up pressure on the tech giants after their efforts were deemed too little.

The European Union executive and consumer protection authorities said the three companies have only partially addressed concerns about their liability and how users were informed about content removal or contract terminations.

The authorities across the bloc, who requested the changes last year, have the power to fine the firms if they do not comply.

Europe's justice commissioner told Facebook, Twitter and Google on Thursday to do more to bring their user terms in line with EU law, ramping up pressure on the tech giants after their efforts were deemed too little. Stock image

European Commissioner Vera Jourova said the use of social media networks as advertising and commercial platforms meant they faced the same rules as offline service providers.

'EU consumer rules should be respected and if companies don't comply, they should face sanctions,' Jourova said in a statement.

'Some companies are now making their platforms safer for consumers; however, it is unacceptable that this is still not complete and it is taking so much time.'

Facebook said it had worked with EU authorities to make changes to its terms and to ensure greater transparency.

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'We have long had tools in place to inform people about content removals and intend to expand these tools later this year,' a Facebook spokeswoman said.

A Google spokesman declined to comment and Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Commission said the U.S. trio had agreed to amend some terms that limit their liability, waive a users right to withdraw from online purchases and force European consumers to seek redress in California, where the firms are based, instead of the consumer's home country.

WHAT ARE FACEBOOK'S PRIVACY PRINCIPLES?

Facebook's privacy principles, which are separate from its terms and conditions, outline how the company handles users' information.

The company published the rules online for the first time in January 2018 ahead of a tough new EU data protection law.

1) We give you control of your privacy: Facebook users should have the option to make choices about their privacy and know where to go to change their privacy settings.

2) We help people understand how their data is used: The firm describes how it uses people's data in its Data Policy but also includes features such as 'ad controls' in the top right corner of every advertisement.

3) We design privacy into our products from the outset: Facebook says it designs privacy into its services with guidance from experts in data protection and privacy law, security, engineering, public policy, and more.

4) We work hard to keep your information secure: The company says it works around the clock' to help protect people's accounts and build security into every Facebook product.

5) You own and can delete your information: You decide what you share and who you share it with on Facebook, and can delete posts and your account at any time. Deleting removes data from your timeline and Facebook's servers.

6) Improvement is constant: Facebook says it is 'constantly working' to develop new controls and explain them to people clearly. It works with experts beyond Facebook including designers, privacy professionals and regulators.

7) We are accountable: Facebook undertakes privacy reviews, data security testing, and meets with regulators, legislators and privacy experts to get input on data practices and policies, the company said.

They have also agreed to change terms that release the social media firms from the duty of identifying commercial and sponsored content, the Commission said.

U.S. technology companies have faced tight scrutiny in Europe for the way they do business, from privacy issues to how quickly they remove illegal or threatening content.

The Commission said national authorities would monitor the implementation of changes made, make use of the procedures offered by the companies to handle illegal content and 'may take action including enforcement measures where necessary.'